Get a glimpse of Chinese culture from 24 solar terms. 从二十四节气中一瞥中华文化。
Today’s episode is the Start of Spring. 本集为立春。
一年之计在于春，一日之计在于晨。
——立春（Start of Spring.）
The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides a year into 24 solar cycles. 传统的中国农历将一年分为24个节气。
Start of Spring (立春), the first solar term of the year, begins this year on Feb 4th . “立春”是一年中的第一个节气，今年的“立春”节气从2月4日开始。 Knowing about the Start of Spring 了解立春
As the first of the twenty-four solar terms, the arrival of the spring means the end of the harsh winter. At this time, new twigs are sprouting and their colors are mirrored in the water. The time when everything grows has come. Because \"Li\" means \"start\English expression of \"Li Chun\" is Start of Spring.
作为二十四节气之首，春天的到来意味着严冬的结束。此时，柳萌黄枝，水泛新绿，万物生长的春季已经到来。因“立”有“开始”之意，所以“立春”的英文表达为Start of Spring。
Start of Spring lifts the curtain of Spring. “立春”拉开了春季的帷幕。
After that, everything turns green and becomes full of vigor. 立春后，万物转绿，焕发生机。
People can clearly notice that daytime becomes longer and the weather gets warmer. 人们可以明显感觉到白天变得更长，天气也愈发温暖。
Customs around the Start of Spring 立春习俗
Making an egg stand 立鸡蛋
In China, it is said that an egg can be set upright on the first day of the Start of Spring, Spring Equinox day and Autumn Equinox day.
在中国，据说在立春、春分和秋分的时候，鸡蛋可以立起来。
It is believed that if someone can make an egg stand on the Start of Spring day, they will have good luck in the future.
人们认为，如果有人能在立春的时候把鸡蛋立起来，他在未来就会交到好运。
Biting Spring 咬春
In many parts of China, people observe the custom of \"biting Spring\" on the first day of Start of Spring.
在中国许多地区，人们在立春的时候遵循“咬春”的习俗，
They eat spring pancakes, spring rolls, or a few mouthfuls of carrots. 会吃春饼，春卷，或是几口胡萝卜。
Welcoming Spring 拜春
People in China began holding a special ceremony on the first day of Start of Spring about 3,000 years ago.
三千年前，中国人开始在立春当天举行特殊仪式。
They made sacrifices to Gou Mang, the god of Spring, who is in charge of agriculture. 人们拜祭主宰农业的春神“句芒（读gōu máng）”。
By the Qing Dynasty (14-1911), welcoming spring had become an important folk activity.
直到清朝，“拜春”已成为重要的民间活动。
In Beijing, government officials welcomed spring in the wild field near Dongzhimen (the east gate of Beijing).
京城的都必须去东直门外五里“东郊”的“春场” 迎春。
Explore the Start of Spring by yourself 拓展任务
1. Which season do you like the most? Why?
2. Do you know the taboos of the Start of Spring?
